Director's Notes

Invisible Flame, more than any show I have directed, is an attempt to involve students in the complete process of producing a play from the beginning. It is their show. They brainstormed ideas, researched their own fears and embarrassments, improvised on these themes, tossed out lots, kept what they thought would work on stage, snooped on their friends for dialog, wrote final scripts, and choreographed dances. Some built props, did makeup, are running lights, and are setting off special effects. I have been there to help guide and prod them, possibly rephrase a line, suggest a bit, disagree a bit, and share some basics of stage technique; but mostly I have tried to encourage the students to look a little closer at themselves and their own lives.

You will notice some serious themes woven into Invisible Flame; fear, embarrassment, death, and especially how when we are alone we can feel invisible. But you will also notice that most of these themes are portrayed through comedy. We spent many hours discussing some pretty scary thoughts. We saw some improvisations that brought us tears, but when it finally comes down to it, the company wanted to laugh a bit at themselves; to find the humor in their troubles and share that with their peers. Maybe that's best; there are times when it seems so serious just being teenager.

I always deliver a stern lecture to the young actors and actresses at auditions, "Theater is not fun, it is work! Your job is to work so hard that the audience thinks you had fun." I was wrong this time. It was fun.

Brent Huber